UFC 168: Main Card Predictions

Dustin Poirier (14-3) vs. Diego Brandao (18-8)

This bout has bonus-potential all over it including a good shot at “Fight of the Night”. Both are aggressive, exciting young fighters with the potential to end action with a single strike or submission attempt. Brandao’s wildness often leaves him open to attack and saps his energy. Look for Poirier to take advantage of both by firing shots down the middle and landing takedowns when Brandao charges in. After wearing the TUF 14 winner down, Poirier should be able to work his way into position to rain down strikes and secure some form of stoppage. / PREDICTION: Dustin Poirier def. Diego Brandao via TKO (PHOTO CREDIT: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports)

Jim Miller (22-4) vs. Fabricio Camoes (14-7-1)

Miller is back after eight months out and has a very winnable fight in front of him. Though Camoes is fairly polished, his abilities aren’t on par with Miller’s and he has a bad habit of getting finished. Miller’s boxing should allow him to set up takedowns. Once he gets Camoes on the ground, his superior skill should take over and open up an avenue to victory. / PREDICTION: Jim Miller def. Fabricio Camoes via Submission (PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

Josh Barnett (33-6) vs. Travis Browne (15-1-1)

It’s already been said the winner of this bout will face Fabricio Werdum for a title-shot in late 2014 once champ Cain Velasquez comes back from shoulder surgery, so Browne-Barnett have extra motivation going into the match-up. Browne’s size and speed make him a difficult draw for most, plus he’s got power in his hands and feet. That being said, Barnett is as experienced as they come in the division and has a reputation for toughness. His hands are decent, but Barnett truly excels on the ground and should have no problem beating Browne as long as he avoids eating too many strikes. / PREDICTION: Josh Barnett def. Travis Browne via Unanimous Decision (PHOTO CREDIT: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

Ronda Rousey (7-0) vs. Miesha Tate (13-4)

The staredown between Rousey-Tate at tonight’s weigh-ins will surely be a sight to see (and probably require covered eyes for those offended by the middle finger)! Though the backstory between the two talented females creates a nice setting, it will come down to skill once the cage door closes. Tate’s bread/butter is wrestling which plays right into Rousey’s hands. “Cupcake” might come out swinging, but Rousey is going to be ready for that and isn’t likely to get caught. Once action hits the ground, it’s Rousey’s world. Also, though you wouldn’t guess it from their behavior on the show, I think Rousey will still do a better job reeling in her emotions. She’s got ice water in her veins when it comes to actual competition. / PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey def. Miesha Tate via Submission (PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Chris Weidman (10-0) vs. Anderson Silva (33-5)

Pointing out Silva’s showboating in their initial encounter is a nice selling point to the scrap but, as most folks hopefully remember, “The Spider” was forced to resort to those antics after getting handled by Weidman in the opening round of action. Once he baited Weidman into standing he looked a little better but (obviously) still got starched. Weidman should be willing to play it semi-safe on Saturday night and use his wrestling – the one area Silva legitimately lacks – to either pound the Brazilian out, secure a submission, or ride out a decision win. As a fan, I’d love to see the opposite happen as a means of helping maintain Silva’s aura of near invincibility. As an objective member of the media, I simply don’t believe such a scenario will unfold. / PREDICTION: Chris Weidman def. Anderson Silva via Submission (PHOTO CREDIT: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

There’s a lot more on the line tonight at UFC 168 than the two titles being defended in the evening’s co-headlining clashes. On one side, bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey will look to maintain her unbeaten status and reputation as the top female in the sport, while former champion Anderson Silva is out to prove his loss to Chris Weidman was a fluke. Meanwhile, top contender Miesha Tate will attempt to avenge a nasty defeat by taking out her hated rival, and Weidman can show his success against Silva wasn’t a matter of showboating but him genuinely being the better fighter. Throw in two Top 10 heavyweights out to earn a shot at top contendership and you’ve got one helluva main card. Here’s a look at how the evening’s five featured fights are likely to unfold…